On Sunday, April 21, I started a new 100Pedals 100Day Challenge. My challenge is to “consult” the I Ching or “Book of Changes” for the 100 days. On the recommendation of a friend, I purchased this book. I found the inspirational perspectives resonates with much of how I live, think, and feel. They provide great insights for living and the fresh insights from inspirations are most enjoyable. Upon occasion, I will share my daily inspirations. Below is the inspirational thought from yesterday’s consultation.
Sunday, April 28: 3. CHUN/DIFFICULTY AT THE BEGINNING and 60. CHIEH/LIMITATION
“If we persevere a great success is at hand.”
Despite the challenges and obstacles we face, any impatient intervention will slow progress. The best course of action is to accept, with patience, the challenges in front of you.
“Voluntarily chosen limits empower growth.”
To succeed in any task we need to clearly define our path without putting too much structure to the definition of that path. You vision defines the purpose and the responsibilities; but, true progress is made in gradual steps.
100Pedals Lesson:
This past week I was experiencing great pressure from four fronts — Brandon’s addiction/recovery; the marketing of my book; my passion for building 100Pedals; and, a pressing client related issue. It was a challenging, stressful week. I could feel the stress building as the week went on. As the pressure increased, I found myself in an unbalanced emotional state and started putting unnecessary urgency to be more assertively proactive in my actions and activities.
Until I read this passage, I was struggling with getting back to my place of peace and balance. After I paused and reflected on the message and then celebrated a 40 mile meditative bike ride, I slowly returned to that place of peace, patience, confidence, and trust.
Adversity is part of the process of daily living. It is the educational component of our journey and our lives. It is where lessons are taught and learned, provided we are willing to endure the lesson.
The clarity of our vision defines the path we take. In the face of a challenge or an obstacle, patience and perseverance is what most effectively keeps us on our defined path.
Trust the path you are on. Be comfortable with the pace of your progress. Avoid letting your expectations for better progress distract you and create fear and doubt in your journey. It is through focused confidence and patience that you will realize the successes you have envisioned for yourself. You must be willing to patiently persevere — it’s where the greatest progress occurs.
